Timothy J. Graves

Timothy J. Graves, age 66, of Yankton, South Dakota, died Monday, April 7, 2025, after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Yankton with Reverend Thi Pham officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Sioux City, Iowa at a later date. Visitation is from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Friday, April 11, 2025, at the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton, with a vigil service and rosary at 7:00 PM.

Pallbearers are J.J. Livingston, Ryan Livingston, Beau Livingston, PJ Graves, Joe Graves, Colt Graves, Tyler Buryanek, Jimmy Buryanek, and Colby Graves. Honorary pallbearers are Alisia Larson, Betsy Larson, Katie Inlay and Bessie Buryanek.

Timothy J. Graves was born September 22, 1958, in Sioux City, Iowa, to Patrick and Shirley (Kuehl) Graves. He grew up in South Sioux City, Nebraska, and graduated from South Sioux High School in 1976. He attended Briar Cliff University in Sioux City and then started his own business, Graves Construction. Tim married Rita Merchant in 1981. Together they had two children, Mandi and Jesse. In1994, the family moved to Walker Valley lake area in Crofton NE.

He married Mary Solma on August 15, 2009, in Hinton, Iowa. They continued living in Crofton until moving to Yankton in 2019. They enjoyed shopping for antiques and watching the birds together, especially their cockatiel Pita.

Tim was a hardworking, jack of all trades, handyman. He enjoyed building and remodeling people’s homes or fixing any project they might have had. He never cut corners and always stood behind his work. He enjoyed watching NASCAR, boating, and watching his grandchildren play sports. He had a strong faith in God and would do anything for anyone. He loved spending time with his family, grandchildren and new puppy, Daisy.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Graves of Vermillion, South Dakota; two children: Mandi (Brent) Mueller of Crofton, Nebraska and Jesse (Katie) Graves of Yankton; three step-children: Ryan (Katie) Solma of Sioux City, Iowa; Justin Solma of Sioux City and Josh Solma of Norfolk, Nebraska; 14 grandchildren: Sydney, Brayton, Gavin, Miles, Jackson, Knox, Brooks, Makenzie, Nate, Averie, Addi, Kaylee, Dallas, and Lila; three sisters: Susie (Pat) Livingston, Debbie (Gary) Larson, and Amy (Jeff) Buryanek; one brother, Pat (Diane) Graves and many nieces nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two grandchildren: Kayden Solma and Evelyn Graves; brother, Mike Graves and cousin, Kelly Graves.